Learn About Tumbling
So you want to learn to tumble... Do you have a collection of stones that you have picked up in various places and want to see if they can be shiny and beautiful? Did you have a tumbler when you were a kid and want to give it a try again? Are you a young rockhound wanting to start a new hobby, or a parent wanting to start a hobby with your kids? Or are you just curious...
Rockhounding and tumbling is a fascinating hobby and teaches patience and judgment. The whole family can participate together and wonder in the beauty of rocks and the sense of accomplishment.
First, you will need to consider investing in some equipment. Hobbyist rock tumblers can be found in hobby and craft stores or online, but their capabilities vary and best to be considered before purchase. Generally, there are two kinds of tumblers: rotary and vibratory. A rotary tumbler is a cylinder that turns and rolls rocks over upon eachother, rounding them in the process. A vibratory tumbler uses an aggressive action to fold rocks over eachother for further refining of the rock surface.
A varying progression of powdered grits and polish utilize the action in these tumblers to bring rocks to a glistening shine.
We would be happy to lend advice, or, you can learn more about rock tumbling by visiting the Rock Tumbling Hobby Forum.
Here is the rough. We chose a batch of mixed rough of rock mostly from the Southwest that has a Mohs Scale hardness of 8.
After the first round of grit. The corners and edges are smoothing out, but color and pattern dulls out when dry.
After a round in pre-polish. Getting more rounded, but still a little dull-looking.
And a finished product of natural beauty. Super- shiny stones!
Progress of a Tumble
